How to get a COVID-19 test

When you should get a test, what you need to do, and how to report your RAT results.

Find a community testing centre Order free RATs online

What you need to know

Who can get a free test

A COVID-19 test is free if it is part of the public health response. This includes if you:

  • have symptoms
  • are a Household Contact
  • are a critical worker and need a test to go to work
  • are part of the healthcare and emergency service workforce
  • require a test for domestic travel or to attend court
  • do a job where mandatory testing applies
  • have been told to get one by a health professional.

When you should get a test

If you are unwell

If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms you should get a test. If you are unsure, talk to your local healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Check the list of COVID-19 symptoms

If you are a contact of someone with COVID-19

If you live with a person who has COVID-19, you need to get a test on their Day 3 and Day 7 of self-isolation.

Advice for Household Contacts

If you are a Close Contact, you do not need to get a test unless you develop symptoms.

Advice for Close Contacts

Getting a test for other reasons

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can get a free test from their doctor or community health provider. They will decide which type of test is best for you.

If you want to get a test for another reason — for example, because you are visiting friends or whānau — you can now buy a RAT at some retail outlets.

If you have had COVID-19 before

If you have already tested positive:

  • you do not need to have another test before you end your isolation period. You may test positive for COVID-19 after you have recovered and no longer have symptoms, but you are unlikely to be infectious beyond 24 hours after your symptoms have ended.
  • you should not get further COVID-19 tests for 28 days from the onset of your original infection — the result may continue to be positive, but this does not necessarily mean you are still infectious. 
  • if you are low risk and have COVID-19-like symptoms after a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, you do not need to take another test. Stay home and recover, until 24 hours after you no longer have symptoms
  • if you have an underlying health condition or have COVID-19-like symptoms that are getting worse after a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, you should seek advice from a health practitioner or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Types of tests

There are 2 types of COVID-19 tests available to the general public in New Zealand.

  • Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the main testing method being used now for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a Household Contact. Results take about 20 minutes.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are still being used in some situations. Results take between 2 and 5 days. A health professional can advise you on the right test to take in your situation.

COVID-19 test results and their accuracy | health.govt.nz (external link)

Where to get a test

You are allowed to leave your home to get a COVID-19 test while you are self-isolating.

Visit a community testing centre

Healthpoint lists testing centres by area. You can also search for a location near you on a map.

Find a COVID-19 testing centre | healthpoint.co.nz (external link)

Order RAT home testing kits

Requesting RATs to use at home is an easy step-by-step process. RATs can be requested on behalf of someone else. You will need access to a mobile phone to validate your order.

You will be issued an order number. You can then collect your RAT order from a collection site listed on Healthpoint, or have someone collect it for you.

Get a test from your doctor

Your doctor may offer COVID-19 tests. Call them to find out and follow their advice.

How to use a RAT

Test instructions vary depending on the brand. Many rapid antigen testing kits follow the instructions below, but not all. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

All RAT kits should be kept out of reach of young children and stored safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to use a RAT

How to use a rapid antigen test (RAT) [PDF, 730 KB]

Approved RATs and how to use them | health.govt.nz (external link)

Understanding your RAT results

If it is positive

If you get a positive test result, you must self-isolate immediately and follow the advice for people who have COVID-19.

Your test result does not need to be confirmed with a PCR unless advised.

What steps to take if you have tested positive

If it is negative

If you get a negative test result and do not have symptoms, it is likely you do not have COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, stay at home and carry out another RAT 48 hours later. If your symptoms get worse, contact your local healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

It is possible for someone with COVID-19 to get a negative RAT result. This can be because there was not enough virus in the sample, or because the test was not carried out correctly.

If the test fails or is indeterminate

If a result is failed or indeterminate, you must take another RAT. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how long to wait between tests.

How to report your RAT results

Whether positive or negative, you should report the results of your RAT. You can do this online through My Covid Record or by calling the helpline.

How to report your RAT result

Getting your PCR test results

After your test, you must self-isolate until you receive a negative result.

You will get your results in a text message from 2328. It will take between 2 and 5 days.

If you test positive, the text message will provide information about self-isolation, support options and a 6-digit access code for the online contact tracing form.

What steps to take if you have tested positive

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